“The way that the a/c compressor work makes a very loud noise and all kind of sounds when it turns on and off. Horrible.”
2016 Nissan Frontier: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Nissan Frontier is a carryover year with no major product changes. The familiar second-generation truck and its S-to-SL trim range continue largely unchanged from 2015.
About the 2016 Nissan Frontier
2nd generation (2005-2021 US), late-cycle year after the 2009 refresh.
Nissan positioned the Frontier as a midsize pickup with full-size attitude: a simple, durable truck meant to handle job-site work during the week and towing, trail use, or weekend hauling after that. The core draw was proven hardware rather than cutting-edge cabin tech — a boxed ladder frame, available V6 power, practical bed utility, and specialty trims like Desert Runner and PRO-4X for buyers who wanted a tougher look or real off-road gear.
The lineup runs from the work-focused S and everyday SV to more specialized versions. Desert Runner pairs a V6 and Bilstein shocks with an off-road look, while PRO-4X adds four-wheel drive with low range, a locking rear differential, and skid plates. SL focuses on comfort with leather-trimmed heated seats, navigation, and premium audio.
2016 Nissan Frontier specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–17 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 15 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–23 mpg | 21–22 mpg | 22–23 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 152–261 hp | 261 hp | 152–261 hp | 261 hp | 261 hp |
| Torque | 171–281 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft | 171–281 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500–6100 lb | 6100 lb | 3500–6100 lb | 6100–6300 lb | 6300–6500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 25.4–33.6 in | 33.6 in | 25.4–33.6 in | 25.4–33.6 in | 25.4–33.6 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| AM/FM Radio | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Locks | |||||
| Power Windows | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Nissan Frontier compared with 2015?
No major product changes were made for 2016. The Frontier kept the same basic engines, trim range, styling, safety equipment, cabin technology, and truck structure as the 2015 model.
Was the 2016 Nissan Frontier redesigned?
No, the 2016 Frontier was not redesigned. It remained part of the second generation introduced for 2005 and continued without a meaningful exterior refresh or structural overhaul.
Did the 2016 Nissan Frontier get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2016 Frontier did not receive a new engine or transmission strategy. Four-cylinder and V6 engines continued, along with rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive depending on the trim and configuration.
Did the 2016 Nissan Frontier add new safety or infotainment technology?
No, the 2016 Frontier did not add a lineup-wide safety suite or infotainment upgrade. Higher trims still offered useful equipment, including navigation, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors on PRO-4X and SL.
Which 2016 Nissan Frontier trims have the most distinctive equipment?
The 2016 PRO-4X is the trail-focused trim, with low-range four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, and skid plates. Desert Runner has off-road-style suspension without four-wheel drive, while SL emphasizes comfort with leather-trimmed heated seats, navigation, and premium audio.
2016 Nissan Frontier Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Nissan Frontier.
4.0
2016 Nissan Frontier
(999 reviews)
“Nice vehicle, just what I expected. The fuel mileage is the only negative thing I can really say about the truck.”
“My 2016 Nissan Frontier is very dependable and has a smooth ride. Ideal for work or play. Also good for road trips.”